LIVE from the Camino Californians on the Camino!

[Schamber]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

 

[nycwalking]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

Buen camino from Los Angeles.

Keep posts coming.

 

[don88]

Buen Camino from a Sacramento native.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Currently on the norte

 

[naplesdon]

Keep posting your progress please!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Just arrived in Colunga after a beautiful walk along the ocean cliffs most of the day. Fantastic weather the entire time with constant ocean breezes.
Walking into the city it is quite obvious Covid has taken a toll on the local businesses as many are now permanently closed. This was confirmed by the hospiletera who was working the reception desk at check in.
She explained several of the closed locations are going to attempt to reopen next month, but it will be dependent on the number of tourist and pilgrims coming through.

 

[lvf]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

Great to follow your post! We are from Washington State, and walked from Lisbon to Santiago this last March. We’re now planning to hike the route you’re taking, the Camino Frances, in mid September staying at Orisson the first night. Enjoy and Buen Camino!

 

[outdoorguy]

We are from the Palm Desert area. Started in SJPP on April 26th. Staying at Casa Bolboreta outside of Casanova tonight, set to arrive in Santiago on the 5th!
You will have a blast!

 

[Marianjhart]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

Buen Camino from San Diego! My kids and I are starting from SJPP in a few weeks!

 

[Holly Mitchem]

Buen Camino from Ojai!

 

[everyday.journeys]

Buen Camino from Burgos! We started our walk on the 19th May with two of our children and are loving every minute of it.

If you want to see what is coming up, we are posting our videos to share our journey...

 

[Suzanne S.]

Another Buen Camino from the Sacramento area!

 

[Barney12]

Buen camino from New Zealand!! Ive just finished my camino.. just from Leon and swore I wouldnt become a camino addict.. but now that Im home Im missing it soooo much!! So please keep the posts coming and I can live vicariously via them!

 

[Former member 59618]

buen camino from a native San Diego, now shivering in the PNW!

 

[senora1]

Buen Camino from Paso Robles. Actually I’m in a hotel at LAX tonight waiting for my flight to JFK MAD tomorrow!

 

[Schamber]

Another Buen Camino from the Sacramento area!

We are from El Dorado Hills!

 

[Schamber]

Camino de Santiago Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamplona

June 1, 202214 milesHotel Tres Reyes We had breakfast at our hotel at 7:15am (yogurt, toast, hard boiled eggs, meats and cheeses, juice, coffee, and tea). We left at 8. Today was going to be a hot …

sallyandgaryscaminodesantasantiagofrancesroute.wordpress.com

Here’s my blog from yesterday…Zubiri to Pamplona. It was a really hot day but ok in the shade with a breeze. Not too many hills. Be sure and stop at cafe La Parada in Zurian, then the “beach” under the bridge in Irotz for a swim, or at least to put your feet into the cold water. There’s a bathroom along the path behind the beach area or you’ll see it down below when you get back in the Camino. If you want to meet the nuns and ring the bell do the option to Saint Esteban church. She’ll stamp your pilgrim passport and also tell you about shortcut back to Camino. There’s a table outside the church if you brought your lunch.
Definitely take the river route into Pamplona no matter how tired you are. The city walking is yucky.

 

[RJ in CA]

Hello from another fellow Californian. Just finished my second Camino (Portuguese coastal and senda) and the experience was just incredible. I wish the same for you and look forward to reading of you adventures.

Buen Camino Schamber!

 

[skotzko]

Buen Camino from an Angeleno! I hope your journey is going wonderfully.

I'm in Bayonne for a few days and then heading to SJPP to begin CF.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

A short walking day today in rainy, but beautiful weather.
Arrived in Villavisciosa just in time for lunch and to watch the sun break through the clouds.
Gijon tomorrow. Starting early!!!

 

[senora1]

When i

Camino de Santiago Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamplona

June 1, 202214 milesHotel Tres Reyes We had breakfast at our hotel at 7:15am (yogurt, toast, hard boiled eggs, meats and cheeses, juice, coffee, and tea). We left at 8. Today was going to be a hot …

sallyandgaryscaminodesantasantiagofrancesroute.wordpress.com

Here’s my blog from yesterday…Zubiri to Pamplona. It was a really hot day but ok in the shade with a breeze. Not too many hills. Be sure and stop at cafe La Parada in Zurian, then the “beach” under the bridge in Irotz for a swim, or at least to put your feet into the cold water. There’s a bathroom along the path behind the beach area or you’ll see it down below when you get back in the Camino. If you want to meet the nuns and ring the bell do the option to Saint Esteban church. She’ll stamp your pilgrim passport and also tell you about shortcut back to Camino. There’s a table outside the church if you brought your lunch.
Definitely take the river route into Pamplona no matter how tired you are. The city walking is yucky.

walked 10 years ago that foot soak was a highlight of the day

 

[MaryLynn]

Buen Camino from Paso Robles. Actually I’m in a hotel at LAX tonight waiting for my flight to JFK MAD tomorrow!

My parents lived in Pasadena and then retired to Grover Beach and I loved visiting them - what a wonderful part of the world. I hope you have a good flight and a great Camino!!

 

[CWBuff]

When i

walked 10 years ago that foot soak was a highlight of the day

Dang wish I knew about it...

 

[ICBWB]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

Buen Camino, Bom Camino, Happy Trails from San Diegans recovering from Porto-Santiago here in Amsterdam. ( Warch out for that bike! Dang. That was close. People move way too fast here.)

 

[Schamber]

We walked from Pamplona to Puente La Reina today. We got a little lost trying to get out of Pamplona. The locals kept pointing to the right way!
The walk up to the metal sculptures wasn’t as bad or steep as I thought it was going to be. Finally met Maggie in person (met her in this site). After metal sculptures or maybe it was on the way, everyone stops at two stores and sit outside on the curb. We then ate lunch at

Camino de Santiago Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamplona

June 1, 202214 milesHotel Tres Reyes We had breakfast at our hotel at 7:15am (yogurt, toast, hard boiled eggs, meats and cheeses, juice, coffee, and tea). We left at 8. Today was going to be a hot …

sallyandgaryscaminodesantasantiagofrancesroute.wordpress.com

Here’s my blog from yesterday…Zubiri to Pamplona. It was a really hot day but ok in the shade with a breeze. Not too many hills. Be sure and stop at cafe La Parada in Zurian, then the “beach” under the bridge in Irotz for a swim, or at least to put your feet into the cold water. There’s a bathroom along the path behind the beach area or you’ll see it down below when you get back in the Camino. If you want to meet the nuns and ring the bell do the option to Saint Esteban church. She’ll stamp your pilgrim passport and also tell you about shortcut back to Camino. There’s a table outside the church if you brought your lunch.
Definitely take the river route into Pamplona no matter how tired you are. The city walking is yucky.

june 4- walked Puente La Reina to Estella today. We bought pastries in Maneru and ate them in the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui at a picnic table next to the fountain. Should have gone around the corner and ate at the cafe. Gary talked to a young guy named Ian from Ireland. He told him about “compounding”.
In Lorca we stopped for a coke and ice tea (you need to ask for glass with ice). We visited with a two Berniese Mountain dogs which reminded us of Fiona the leonberger back home.
Coming into Villatuerta we met a young guy from Nice, France. He had been doing too many kilometers and had some pain. He was going to slow it down. He was doing training as he goes into the army in August. He has traveled to the U.s. But not California yet. We had lunch including our first tortilla in this town before finishing the 14.9 miles and ending in Estella. Then it was another 11 minutes to our Hostal La Rua in the river Ega. We took showers, naps, and ate at a cafe once they started serving food at 7pm.

 

[Natale]

Hola! We started in Paris May 26. On May 28 took train to Bayonne, then another train and then a bus to SJPP. Note, the first bus got full very fast so we got on second bus which was there five minutes later. In SJPP we checked into Hotel Pyrenees and then went to Pilgrims office to get pilgrims passport and shell. We then walked around town including part of the wall and the grocery store. We had dinner with a fellow Sacramento Pilgrim that was working at the Pilgrims Office. Slept and had breakfast at our hotel. Picked up sandwiches on our way out of town. Note- the sandwiches were huge and we ended only eating one. The walk up was hard but not as hard as I thought it was going to be! We made it to Orisson in time to eat our lunch with friends we met on train. We had Sangria, white wine, and chocolate moose with our sandwich. Oh, and a small basque cake we bought that morning in SJPP too! About 2:30pm we headed to Aburgue Borda (the new one) and checked into his one private room. It was awesome and so was the dinner and all the people we met that night! We continue to see them along the way.
The next day Laurent fed us breakfast and we were all on our way. Five of us walked together for most of the day. We stopped for a picnic lunch near the top. It wasn’t as difficult as day one but wasn’t a picnic in the park! When they say to go right before going down they mean it! But it’s not that easy to see the dirt turn-off! Luckily someone pointed it out to us! Downhill at times was hard but we reached Roncesvalles alive albeit with wobbly legs! We checked int Hotel Roncesvalles and meant to go meet up with people for drinks but ended up taking showers, naps, and then going to dinner at the hotel. Meal was excellent!! We then walked around this cute small town, talked to a friend, and hit the hay!!
Today (May 31) we left about 8 and stopped in Espana for some breakfast and later for some lunch at Bar Juan. Lady at hotel said today would be easy but it wasn’t. There are some gorgeous flat parts and some brutal downhill sharp rock spots. Fourteen miles for us. We are checked into our Txantxorena hotel where they are doing our laundry and we are about to take our much needed naps before going to dinner! We are old!!

Schamber, you're doing great for a California. Lol. This old California guy almost died getting to Roncesvalles from SJDP. Next year I plan to walk the Camino frances again. I just finished my Camino from Sarria to Muxia in May. Camino Portuguese this September. Buen Camino